Akagami Shrine Goshado

Five shrine buildings donated by the Akita domain stand on a mountainside at an elevation of Approx. 180 meters. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, this group of buildings has long been known as a sacred site for Shugendo mountain worship. At the top of 999 stone steps, said to have been built in a single night by the namahage, divine messengers passed down on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture, the area is filled with a mysterious atmosphere.

Most of the stone steps still remain today, and visitors head toward the shrine buildings along a quiet mountain path surrounded by nature. As you follow the approach through the woods, a vermilion torii gate appears, and beyond it stand the five halls of Goshado. It is said that the shrine buildings enshrine five namahage in total, two parents and three children.

Near Goshado are mysterious spots such as Sugatami no Ido Well and Mitarai no Ike Pond, where it is said that looking in reveals how much time one has left to live. At the nearest bus stop, “Monzen Parking Lot,” there is also a 9.99-meter-tall standing namahage statue inspired by the stone steps. As the approach has many uneven steps, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended.